The practice is driven largely by dog show industry standards, he said.

Still, Dr. Mordasky warns his patients' owners that it's not something to take lightly.

"They understand that it's bloody, it's painful, it takes a lot of aftercare. And if they're willing to do that and understand those ramifications, then that's what we can go ahead and do," said Dr. Mordasky.

Dr. Mordasky worries that owners who can't find a licensed vet to do the procedures might do them themselves, and they might do it with no anesthesia or pain medication and in unsanitary conditions.

Dr. Mordasky has rarely devocalized a dog or cat, but can understand why some owners choose to do it, he said.

Veterinarian Dr. Rick Esherick said he does not do any of the procedures.

"In my eyes, they are needless events. They're for the owner, not for the pet," said Esherick.

Some countries ban pet modification procedures and several states have laws restricting such practices to licensed vets.